Yana K. TakeLessons Instructor music, Piano, voice, music theory, music history, music appreciation. Citrus Heights, CA

My musical training began at a very young age. By the age of 8 I was already singing and reading sheet music. I took piano lessons from age 9 and until I was 17. From there, I went to Fresno Pacific University for one year and studied piano with Dr. Saul. I studied music history, voice, theory, and sang in a womens' chorale for two semesters. My schooling went on hold when I got married and had a baby. Now I'm finishing up a degree in Child Development/Psychology in Phoenix University and working at MTI College.

I've been teaching music since the age of 13. I had the incredible opportunity to be trained by my father, who is the Music Director in our church. I had my own childrens' choir and put together entire programs and taught my group how to sing. I taught from ages 3-up. I also taught adults and youth how to sing and read music, as well as music theory and how to write sheet music. I accompanied the adult choir every church service and had piano recitals. I played for a large symphony orchestra for a few years. We performed for weddings and large regional church events. Our family gatherings include everyone in the family sitting down and playing together. We have a flute, piano (me!), a cello, a guitar, a violin, a synthesizer, and two opera voices. That's all just my immediate family!

I'm very flexible with my students. I realize everyone has a different reason for learning music, whether it's a parents' wish or your chosen career, but my lessons are tailored to meet the needs of the specific student in mind. I can be strict and demand more of a student if I know the student is capable of more. I work with students' disabilities and try to find lessons that will explore other ways of doing something. All in all, I expect to see effort. Anyone can do anything if they set their minds to it. I always tell my students, "If you can, you're right. If you can't, you're right." It really all depends on what you want. Make up your mind and amazing things will happen. I'm just a tool to help you along the path of learning. I can't make miracles happen if the student has no wish to learn. However, I'm always respectful of my students and respect different opinions.

Currently, I have students who are learning Disney songs. I believe that in order to learn to enjoy music and singing, it is first important to find something you currently enjoy and expand to classical technique and appreciation from there. Proper form and terminology is taught throughout each lesson and incorporated into each lesson, but in a fun way!  

Classical, boroque, jazz, hymnal and orchestra (symphony), modern piano.

music, Piano, voice, music theory, music history, music appreciation.